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Australian Wilderness & Outback Journeys
Private and luxury journeys to The Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Red Centre, Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre...
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Greatest Rail Journeys in Australia
A luxury holiday of a life time on one of the great Australian rail journeys. Rail & Sail, Reef & Rail, Outback & Rail...
Immerse yourself in the coast with the most with this one-of-a-kind 9-day rail adventure showcasing the best of tropical North Queensland including the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach, Cairns, the Daintree and Tablelands.
Departing from Brisbane, begin your hop-on, hop-off journey aboard the Spirit of Queensland, hitting every hotspot along the way. First stop is Airlie Beach, the launchpad to the wonderful Whitsundays. Set sail onboard an 84-ft ocean-faring catamaran to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet and spend the day island hopping between Daydream and Hamilton Island. The stunning natural landscapes of coast and islands must be seen to be believed.
Continue north to the sleepy seaside village of Mission Beach, the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise with no ...
Continue north to the sleepy seaside village of Mission Beach, the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise with no traffic lights, no chain stores and no crowds. No stay here is complete without a visit to nearby Dunk Island. Covered mostly in national park, Dunk is a nature lover’s playground with beautiful walking trails and palm-fringed beaches that you will never want to leave.
Cap off your journey aboard the Spirit of Queensland with four nights in Cairns, the modern and vibrant capital of North Queensland. Over two days, venture out with a naturalist guide to the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and the Tablelands to see where the rainforest meets the reef. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the world’s oldest rainforest, get up close and personal with native wildlife in its natural habitat, explore historic towns and taste delicious gourmet treats such as handmade chocolates, cheese and coffee.
You’ll stay in a luxury serviced apartment in Airlie Beach and luxury resorts in Mission Beach and Cairns. All accommodations are conveniently located to main streets, eateries, shopping areas and other local attractions. The serviced apartment features a kitchen, while the 5-star resorts includes daily breakfast and access to highly rated onsite restaurants. Other meals are included as specified.
This one-of-a-kind 9-day package includes 9-nights’ accommodation on a twin-share basis. You’ll travel aboard the Spirit of Queensland on a stop-over fare, which includes a RailBed for the Brisbane to Proserpine leg. All other transport and transfers are included as specified in the itinerary. Activities and experiences are also included as specified.
Make the most of the tropical North Queensland coast with this unforgettable 9-day package that combines the romance of rail travel with the rainforest and reef. There truly is no better way to explore this spectacular part of the world!
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We specialise in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Departing in the afternoon from Brisbane, set out on Queensland’s ultimate overnight rail journey aboard the iconic Spirit of Queensland.
Onboard this legendary train, you’ll travel in style along Queensland’s stunning coastline. You’ll have your very own RailBed – a spacious seat by day and a lie-flat bed by night with all linen provided including sheets, duvet and pillow for your comfort.
Settle in and watch the scenery go by or make the most of your state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment including large screen and on-demand movies, music and audio books. You may also venture down to the club car to purchase a light snack or refreshment between your meals.
You will arrive at 6:22am into Proserpine, where you will enjoy a private transfer to Airlie Beach. From the transit centre, it is a 1-minute walk to Harbour Cove, your accommodation for the next two nights. Drop off your luggage at reception and walk across the road to the Port of Airlie, where you will find Cruise Whitsundays crew waiting to take you out on the water for a full days’ sailing.
At 8:15am, set sail onboard the majestic Camira, a speedy 85ft ocean-going catamaran. Cruise past the Whitsunday, Daydream, Hamilton and Hook Islands enroute to Whitehaven Beach, a 7-kilometre arc of dazzling white sand, regularly voted Australia’s best beach. On a guided hike to Hill Inlet, follow a path walked by the Whitsundays’ traditional owners, the Ngaro People. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in the Whitsundays.
With snorkelling gear also included and plenty of idyllic swimming spots, expect to work up an appetite for the BBQ buffet lunch. You’ll return to Airlie Beach around 5:00pm having experienced the highlights of the Whitsundays and captured the essence of what attracts sailors and dreamers here from all over the world.
Another glorious day on the water! Departing from the Port of Airlie at 7:00am, board a spectacular cruise to Daydream and Hamilton Island. First stop is Daydream Island where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast, take a dip in the resort pool and visit the fascinating Living Reef coral lagoon. At the Living Reef, you’ll see sharks and stingrays in action at the morning fish-feeding show.
Next up, cruise to Hamilton Island for a gourmet lunch at the Marina Tavern, so called for its magnificent view of the Hamilton Island Marina. You have ample time during the stop to explore the island by foot or ride the complimentary Island Shuttle service to One Tree Hill, the island’s most famous lookout. Cool off afterwards in the resort pool complete with swim up bar or take a stroll along the iconic Catseye Beach.
You’ll return to Airlie around 6:10pm to enjoy one last night in this bustling seaside town.
An early start today! Enjoy a private transfer from your door to Proserpine Railway Station, where you will reboard the Spirit of Queensland at 6:32am to continue your journey north. Treat yourself to some breakfast from the Club Car (your cost) and grab some extra shut eye in your Premium Economy seat. You’ll arrive into Tully Railway Station at 1:47pm.
A pre-booked taxi takes you from Tully Railway Station to the sleepy seaside village of Mission Beach, where the Great Barrier Reef is less than 40 kilometres (24.9mi) offshore. With no traffic lights, no chain stores and no crowds, Mission Beach is a true tropical paradise!
You’ll stay the next two nights at Castaways Resort & Spa. Spend the rest of the day settling into your Beachfront Resort Room and making the most of resort facilities including a restaurant and bar and sparkling pool.
Enjoy a free day at Mission Beach. Lying at the heart of two World Heritage areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics – Mission Beach, is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s where lush rainforest – inhabited by the rare cassowary (slow down when driving and keep an eye out for these magnificent birds) and the magnificent Ulysses butterfly – tumbles down to meet the Coral Sea. Have a leisure walk along the 14km of golden sandy palm fringed beaches, or pick up a hiking trail map from the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre which shows all of the rain forest walking trails that you can do by yourself. Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or hire a bicycle and enjoy cycling along rainforest trails or along the esplanade.
You have until lunchtime to explore Mission Beach at your leisure. A pre-booked taxi will ensure you make it to Tully Railway Station in time to catch the 1:57pm Spirit of Queensland the rest of the way to Cairns, the modern and vibrant gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest.
Arrive into Cairns at 4:30pm and enjoy a private transfer to Riley, a five-star luxury resort. You’ll stay the next four nights in a beautiful and chic King Room with a Pool View. Stake your claim beside the pool. Revitalise your mind, body and soul at the Eleme Spa. Enjoy rooftop cocktails and delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a 270-degree panoramic view of Cairns and the Coral Sea at Rocco restaurant onsite. Or, head down to the main street and immerse yourself in everything tropical North Queensland has to offer. The choice is yours!
In the morning, set off with your naturalist guide along the scenic route via Mossman to Cape Tribulation.
Lush farmland contrasts with seascape as you approach the majestic Daintree River. Enjoy a quick morning tea before boarding a delightful river cruise, where you will take in the wonder of the world’s oldest rainforest and learn about the unique flora and fauna that call the region home. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a crocodile!
Ascend the Alexandra Range for a panoramic view of the rainforest merging with the sparkling Coral Sea. From here, enjoy a guided walk of the National Park Boardwalk, which weaves through lush lowland rainforest, fascinating mangrove swamps and surprising stretches of sandy beach. This is one of the only places to spot the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary.
Lunch is a delicious BBQ with freshly prepared salads (dietary requirements catered for with prior notice). After eating, you can handfeed wallabies and have your photo taken with these cute native animals.
Continue beyond Cape Tribulation along 7 kilometres (4.35mi) of the Bloomfield Track, one of the most scenic short 4WD drives in Queensland famous for its majestic plants, creek crossings, secluded beaches, a rainforest archway and unexpected wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim at Emmagen Creek, where you may see fish, turtles, butterflies and exotic birds. This is the perfect place to relax with a slice of damper and some traditional Billy Tea.
At Cape Tribulation Beach, stroll along the sand and boardwalk to one of the best photo stops of the day: the place where the rainforest literally meets the reef.
Cap off the day with an ice cream at the famous Daintree Ice Creamery (own cost) before beginning the journey home. You’ll be dropped off at Riley around 6:00pm.
In the morning, set off with your naturalist guide to experience the best of the Atherton Tablelands region, the beautiful high-country west of Cairns. Climb to 500 metres (1640ft) above sea-level and drive out of the rainforest onto the multi-cultural village of Mareeba and the award-winning Coffee Works for an introduction to Australia’s largest coffee-growing region.
Continue on through banana plantations, sugar cane and through the townships of Tolga and Atherton en route to Herberton, the oldest town in the Tablelands. This National Heritage village is an astounding collection of Australiana spanning two centuries. Wandering through the meticulously restored dwellings is like stepping back through time.
After a hearty lunch at the Australian Platypus Centre and Smokehouse Café, take on Queensland’s highest scenic drive, where you will be treated to sweeping views of the Tablelands and the Great Dividing Range.
In the afternoon, walk into the forest to view one of Australia’s oldest trees, the Curtain Fig, which has watched over the land for over 500 years.
Cap off the day with a visit to Gallo’s Dairy, North Queensland’s major dairy, where you will have the opportunity to witness a milking demonstration and taste hand crafted chocolates and the Tableland’s finest cheese. You’ll be dropped off at Riley around 5:00pm.
After one last gourmet breakfast, check out and say farewell to tropical North Queensland. A private transfer is scheduled to take you to the Cairns Airport at a time that suits you.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season.
The starting point is Roma Street Station, Brisbane
The finish point is Cairns Airport (CNS)
Tropical North Queensland is home to some of the best weather year-round that Australia has to offer. Its sunny, days, warm waters, cool ocean breezes and generally comfortable climate are part of what makes it such a popular holiday destination.
The North Queensland climate is characterised by two distinct seasons, with warm temperatures and a low rainfall during the winter period while summer sees higher rainfall and warmer, balmy temperatures. Be mindful that humidity is likely to be high in the summertime.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.